A Guide When Getting to Calayan Island

Calayan Island is a municipality in the province of Cagayan Valley.  It is located in the South China Sea in Luzon Strait.  It is one of the major islands of the Babuyan Islands.

I left Cubao on May 15 with Victory Liner via Tuguegarao.  The following day, I took the van at 5 a.m. to Claveria.  It was a 4-hour travel time to Claveria. 

Some lampitaw that docks in the shore of Calayan Island.

St. Bartholomew Church in Poblacion, Calayan

Gymnasium

I had a 4-day, 3-night stay in Calayan Island.  Among the tourist destination of Calayan, one of the most visited spot is Sibang Beach, and you can never miss this one as this is the major attraction of the said island.

Getting to Calayan via Lampitaw Boat Ride via Claveria:

If you are in Claveria you can catch up the lampitaw boat at 6 a.m.  One location is in the main town where you can ride a tricycle and the other is at Taggat Lagoon.  In my case, my contact person Tessie reserved me to M/B Jason which docks to Taggat Lagoon.  The fee to ride the lampitaw will cost you 500 pesos.  There are no chairs when you ride lampitaw and no cover to protect you from the sunlight.  The weather is unpredictable and there may be times when the sea is rough.  Make sure you cover your things with the plastic bag so that it won’t get wet.  Chances are you may get wet due to unpredictable rough sea.

In the backround of the boat is M/V Eagle Ferry

There is a ferry in Aparri that leaves at 6 a.m.  M/V. Eagle is the only ferry that travels to Calayan and Aparri, vice versa.  The schedule may vary.  The ferry docks at Poblacion and is a walking distance to the municipal hall of Calayan. 

Where to Stay In Calayan Island:

There is no hotel or inn at Calayan Island.  You can stay at TPS Homestay and you can contact Tessie to reserve in advance.  The rate is 200 pesos a day and you can use the dining room and kitchen.  TPS Homestay offers catering service just in case you want someone to cook some meals for you. 

TPS Homestay

Dining Room

Bedroom

Tessie's wines that she sell to her guests

Sunset in Poblacion beach is a walking distance from the homestay

Contact Person:  Tessie Singun, 09298375737.  For your guided tour, Tessie can help you arrange your tour with the tour guide and tricycle service.  Aside from Sibang Beach, there are some spots that I was not able goad and I had some few regrets about missing out these places.

Some Helpful Information About Calayan Island

·         There’s no internet café in Calayan.   If you are using your mobile phone or pocket wi-fi to surf or check any messages on email or Facebook, it’s really slow.  Smart works when you make a call or send some text messages.

·         There is no public market to buy some fresh foods.  If you want to buy some sea foods, there is a fish vendor that in the street.  You can also get a caterer that will serve the meals for you.

·         There’s no local bank in Calayan, no atm machines, make sure you bring extra cash.

·         There are no carinderias or restaurants, only some bake shops where you can buy goods.

·         Electricity is only available from 12 noon to 12 midnight. 

If you want to reserve a booking going back to Claveria or Appari, you can  let Tessie know beforehand so that she can help you with the schedule.

Related Links

Calayan Island Adventure: Getting to Magsidel
Calayan Island Adventure: Sibang Beach
Calayan Island Adventure: The Lampitaw Boat Ride
Cagayan Valley: A Glimpse of Claveria